The wait is finally over for one of the top juco performers in the country. While posting serious numbers in his two seasons at Pima Junior College, it was a long recruiting process for 6-foot-8 sophomore forward Traivar Jackson. After being recruited by numerous college programs and receiving loads of recruiting interest throughout his junior college career, Jackson remained unsigned and uncommitted for some time. This week, Jackson announced a nice commitment to a program in the WAC Conference, where he will suit up this fall and look to make an impact.
While Jackson was heralded by our staff for two years as a top juco prospect that mid-major plus programs should recruit heavily, Jackson struggled to find a college suitor for himself until late in the summer, as he will now sign a national letter of intent to play for Tarleton State this season. Tarleton State Head Coach Billy Gillispie has been heralded as one of the top Head Coaches in the sport for some time, and now he is looking to build a strong program at Tarleton State. Signing a juco prospect like Jackson could pay off nice dividends for their program, and help to boost their future college recruitment in the state of Arizona.
After a big freshman season, where he led the ACCAC in scoring, Jackson returned as a sophomore in the ACCAC and averaged 18 points and 6 rebounds per/contest, while shooting an impressive 58.1% from the field. Jackson led Pima JC to a nice 25-7 overall record last season, while starting every game for Head Coach Brian Peabody this season.
Jackson is a rare find among post players today, as he is able to play inside and out. He has really improved his ability to make shots from the perimeter, and also likes to score in the post, where he shoots very high percentage shots around the paint. A left-hander, Jackson can score in a variety of ways around the basket and is very difficult to defend for opposing players, as a result of his length, broad shoulders and quick release on his shot around the basket. He has very good body control and is a strong finisher around the basket. He runs the floor hard and gets excellent low-post position on the floor, where he is able to catch passes and make nice drop-step moves towards the rim, or shoot a variety of jump hooks or mid-range shots. He has good athleticism as well, and excellent length on his frame. His long wingspan and length also benefits him nicely in his approach.
It was not long ago when top-rated junior college prospects were recruited at a high level. With the NCAA Transfer Portal continuously growing and college coaches around the country hitting the portal hard, juco prospects today get often overlooked.
Congratulations to Jackson on his commitment and good luck to him in his immediate future. Congratulations to the Pima Junior College basketball program also on this nice commitment.
